Males flee home in fear of arrest

A large number of males from Mukkandi village in Bahubal upazila of Habiganj have left the area amid fear of arrest in connection with Saturday's clash that left two people killed and 50 others injured.

Matin Mia, 50, and Abdul Kabir, 50, died and about 50 others were injured as two groups of villagers attacked each other with sharp weapons and sticks at Mukkandi village on Saturday morning, said Mazharul Islam, officer-in-charge of Bahubal Police Station.

 The clash followed a quarrel between two groups after the Juma prayers on Friday over appointment of the imam of a local mosque and formation of its management committee, locals said.

On Sunday, Sub-inspector Abdul Rahim of Bahubal Police Station filed a case accusing 76 named and 200 to 250 unnamed people.

A large number of males left the area in fear of arrest although no one has so far been detained in connection with the incident, said Sanu Miah, a resident of Mukkandi village.

"We are in fear of arrest as most of the accused are unnamed," said Moinul Islam, another local.

Several women of the village said their husbands have gone away as often police comes to the area.

“Some Awami League activists told me to give money for omitting my husband's name from the list of the accused," a woman alleged.

Raselur Rahman, assistant superintendent (South) of Habiganj police, said there is nothing to fear for the innocent locals as only the guilty people will face action after investigation.

Additional police forces have been deployed as the area remains tense, he said.